Topsfield

Observing Artificial Satellites

Come learn how to spot satellites at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: NASA

The program will begin with an indoor presentation that will provide you with the information needed to be able to find and observe artificial satellites like the International Space Station and other human-made orbiting objects. Topics to be covered will include the nature of artificial satellite orbits, the best time of year for observing them, and how to identify them in the night sky. Weather permitting, we'll step outside afterwards to seek out artificial satellites and gaze into the night sky through the telescopes of local amateur astronomers. Along with the early springtime constellations, a young crescent moon and the planet Venus will be visible.

When:

Friday, March 28, 2020 7-9pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Baby Goat Day at Essex County Co-op

Essex County Co-op hosts baby goat day - come see some 8 week old goats!

Stop by Essex Co-Op to visit with some adorable 8-week old Nubian goats. They will be frolicking in our Barn At The Co-Op. Join us for FREE refreshments and lots of FUN!

When:

Saturday, April 18, 2020 11am-1pm

Location:

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Flapjack Fling & Sugaring Tours

Flapjack Fling isn't about pancakes, it's about the syrup!

The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary wraps up the maple sugaring season this year with our the annual Flapjack Fling. Bring your family and friends for this special breakfast at the sanctuary and enjoy the fruit (OK, sap!) of our labor and our maple trees on some delicious pancakes.

When:

Saturday, March 21, 2020 8:15am-1pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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IRWS School Vacation: Carnivores Dining Out

Kids ages 5-11 are invited to Ipswich river Wildlife Sanctuary during February Vacation to learn about carnivores

Winter is a great time to look for predators and the evidence they leave behind. Today, we'll look at animal bones, fur, scat, tracks, and chews. Then we'll hike the sanctuary in search of hawks, foxes, fishers, river otters, and more. We'll investigate how these animals are able to hunt prey in the cold winter weather.

When:

Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:30am-3pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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IRWS School Vacation: Maple Sugaring

Learn how to harvest Maple Sap and convert it to Maple Syrup at IRWS during February Vacation!

Today we'll learn about one of nature's tastiest treats: maple syrup. We'll discover how to distinguish a sugar maple from all the other trees in the forest and tap one to collect the sap. After a visit to the sugarhouse, we'll know how sap is converted into syrup and try some on our very own pancakes. We'll see who can tell the difference between store-bought syrup and the real stuff!

When:

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 8:30am-3pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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IRWS School Vacation: Winter Homes

Build igloos and learn how to find winter homes for animals at IRWS's workshop

Can you imagine living outside through the entire winter? We'll explore the woodlands, wetlands, and field edges for nests, cavities, burrows, dens, and lodges to discover how birds, mammals, and insects find homes in this challenging season. We'll build an igloo or shelter and see how warm it can be inside.

When:

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 8:30am - 3pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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IRWS School Vacation: Awesome Owls

Look for Owls at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary during the day and learn about their habitat and feeding.

Have you ever walked through the woods looking for owls during the day? Owls are most active at night, of course, but if you know what to look for you can find their daytime roosts. Together we'll discover what our local owls look like, what they eat, and what they sound like. As a special activity, everyone will help to dissect an owl pellet.

When:

Friday, February 21, 2020 8:30am-3pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Winter Mindful Nature Experience for Families

Get outside with your family for some fresh air and to experience the beauty of the ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Get outside with your family for some fresh air and to experience the beauty of the sanctuary. A Mindful Nature Experience incorporates elements of mindfulness, forest bathing, ayurveda, and yoga to connect mind and body in community with the outdoors, reinvigorate your senses, and deeply immerse you in the healing power of nature. As a family, awaken your bodies with easy, flowing exercises, and use mindful breathing techniques to connect with and offer gratitude for the natural world. Walk with awareness to immerse deeply in nature, explore your senses using various sensory techniques that awaken curiosity, and find your own personal sit spot to meditate as one with nature.

When:

Sunday, February 9, 2020 3-5pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Riverview Farms Equestrian Summer Program, Riding Lessons

Horse Riding Lessons for Children in Topsfield Massachusetts

Jane Fraher, owner of Riverview Farms in Topsfield, is accepting students for the 2020 Equestrian Summer Program for boys and girls ages 7 - 15.

Jane makes the program fun with a variety of activities offered in addition to daily riding lessons. The kids will learn horse care and handling; parts of the horse and tack and kids will gain the self-discipline required to understand and control the horse which instills a sense of responsibility and enhances task concentration in the rider. Jane hosts fabulous and fun pizza parties on Fridays.

Equestrian program for girls and boys ages 7-15

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

June 22 - June 26
July 13 - July 17t
July 27 - July 31
August 10 - August 14

Location:

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Scout Maple Sugaring Jamboree at IRWS

The maple sugaring jamboree is a chance for scouts to earn a maple sugaring badge at the Ipwich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Bring your troop and the whole family to meet our maple trees, tour the sugarhouse, try a taste of our sweet syrup, and participate in winter games and activities. Try your hand at using real sugaring tools at the tree-tapping station, warm up and toast marshmallows by the campfire, and participate in a snow creature building contest where the winner gets a free bottle of syrup! Our dress-like-a-lumberjack photo booth can capture your sweet memories and each scout will go home with a special maple sugaring jamboree badge.

When:

Saturday, February 15, 2020 1-4pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary